(New Evidence Search Team) Leicester (New Evidence Search Team) Mark Wilkinson

A brief history of NEST Established in 2011 by Leicester City of Sanctuary and the Red Cross Supports asylum seekers who want to submit a fresh claim and need to find new evidence Almost 250 cases worked on so far

What does NEST do? Cases are referred to NEST by the Red Cross. We read any case documents and suggest possible evidence that the clients might find to support their claims. Examples include: letters from their country of origin, birth certificates, arrest warrants, hospital records Sometimes help client to present details which have become confused through multiple interview transcripts and (mis-)translations. We do not (currently) give legal advice

Why is NEST needed? Clients often do not know why their cases have been refused or what evidence could be useful At the end of a 90-minute meeting with a client, he told me that during more than a decade in the UK, no one had ever spent so long going through the details of his case with him – not even his solicitor…..

Who are we? A team of approx. 30 volunteer caseworkers, led by Sherri Wong (Red Cross) Wide range of age and experience, including graduate and undergraduate students

What skills do NEST caseworkers need? Patience and good listening skills Research skills Legal training not necessary About 4-5 hours per month

Would you like to join us? Do you need more information? Talk to me after this presentation Contact me by e-mail: mark@leicester.cityofsanctuary.org Contact NEST Group Leader, Sherri Wong: sherri@leicester.cityofsanctuary.org Register your interest at: leicester.cityofsanctuary.org/volunteer